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White Noise

White noise has the same energy at every frequency. It sounds bright and hissy, like static or an air vent, and gives a strong masking feel.

Sounds like
TV static, an air vent, a fan on high
Energy
Flat, equal at every frequency
Often used for
Strong masking of voices and sharp sounds

Hear it next to the others.

Switch between the three and listen for where the energy sits. Generated live in your browser.

Full guideEverything about Brown Noise

The preview is generated in your browser. Start with your volume low.

← DeeperFrequency (Hz) · simplifiedBrighter →

What it is

White noise is random noise with equal energy at every frequency, the way white light contains every color. Because there are far more frequencies in the upper octaves than in the lower ones, most of what you hear sits high up, which is why it sounds bright.

0 dBper octave, the same energy at every pitch

What it sounds like

Static on an untuned radio, a strong air vent or a fan on its highest setting. It’s crisp and clear, with a lot of hiss. At the same volume it can feel more intense than pink or brown noise.

Bright and hissy
Crisp and very even
Strong, it covers a lot of detail

When people use it

Busy places where voices and sharp sounds pull your attention
Short, intense blocks where you want a clear “on” signal
People who like a clean, crisp background
Covering high-pitched noise like chatter or clicking

You might prefer it if…

  1. 01You need the strongest masking feel of the three
  2. 02Lower sounds feel muddy or heavy to you
  3. 03You keep the volume low and just want a constant layer of hiss

Compared with the others

White is the brightest of the three. Pink keeps the same steady character but softens the hiss; brown removes most of it and leaves a low rumble. If white feels tiring after a while, pink is usually the next step.

Sounds likeEnergyOften used for
Brown NoiseA distant waterfall, heavy wind, the hum inside a planeFalls 6 dB per octaveLow, steady background for long blocks
Pink NoiseSteady rain, wind through trees, a calm waterfallFalls 3 dB per octaveA balanced middle ground for long sessions
White NoiseTV static, an air vent, a fan on highFlat, equal at every frequencyStrong masking of voices and sharp sounds

Not for you? Try…

Pink NoiseIf white feels harsh or tiringBrown NoiseIf you want something much deeperFireplaceIf you’d like a warmer, natural texture

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All White Noise sessions in the Finder

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Questions

White noise, answered.

Is white noise good for studying?

It can be, especially if you need to mask sudden sounds. If it feels too bright or hissy, pink or brown noise may suit you better.

What is white noise?

Noise with the same energy at every pitch, a bit like a radio between stations or a fan, which makes it sound bright and hissy.

What is the difference between white noise and brown noise?

Brown noise has more energy in low pitches and sounds deep and soft. White noise sounds brighter and sharper.

Is white noise bad for you?

At a low, comfortable volume it is generally fine. Keep the volume down, take breaks, and stop if it bothers you. This is not medical advice.

Where can I listen to white noise?

Press play on this page, use the free Pomodoro timer with white noise, or play a full Luneia session on YouTube.

Keep reading

Guides to go with it

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